Smriti dies following younger sister Ayesha

Salma Akter Smriti, who was critically injured in arson at her father’s home in Laxmipur, has died, a day after her younger sister Ayesha Akter Binti, 8, succumbed to injuries in the same incident.

Smriti, 17, passed away Wednesday night (December 24) at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute’s ICU in Dhaka, confirmed Laxmipur Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration & Finance) Hosain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi.

The sabotage act took place on December 19 at the home of BNP leader and businessman Belal Hossain in Chormonsa village under Bhavaniganj Union of the Sadar Upazila. Attackers allegedly locked the house from outside, poured petrol, and set it ablaze. Ayesha died at the scene, while Belal Hossain, Smriti, and another daughter, Sayma Akter Bithi, were injured.

Belal Hossain received treatment at Laxmipur Sadar Hospital. Bithi, with about 2% burns, was later discharged from Dhaka’s National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute. Smriti, who had burns over nearly 90% of her body, remained in ICU but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

Belal Hossain filed a case at Sadar Model Police Station on December 23 against unknown individuals. Police recovered three locks from the house, though clear evidence of petrol use was not found.

An investigation into this matter is underway.